Kwankwaso neither discussed defection with Tinubu

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has debunked reports that its national leader and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, negotiated or planned to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

A statement by the party’s national publicity secretary, Ladipo Johnson, described the claims as untrue and a deliberate attempt by the political elite to discredit Kwankwaso.

He said Kwankwaso neither contemplated joining the APC and nor ever met with President Bola Tinubu or any of his representatives to discuss defection.

He said the former governor’s last meeting with Tinubu was in January 2024 and did not involve any discussion on defection.

“It is regrettable that such lies are not only being orchestrated by some individuals, purportedly sounding authoritative, but unfortunately, also published as lead stories in major newspapers.

“The last time he sat with the President was in January 2024, and there was no discussion about defecting to the APC.

“Those spreading the defection rumours are probably those who wanted to move to the APC and who have done so now,” he said.

He accused the political elite of conspiring to undermine Kwankwaso through lies and half-baked opinions in the media, describing the campaign as a “hatchet job” aimed at preempting Kwankwaso’s future political moves and preventing alliances that could challenge the current power structure.

He dismissed a recent newspaper report detailing why Kwankwaso’s supposed defection failed, calling it “hogwash” and suggesting it was sponsored to tarnish the former governor’s image.

He described Kwankwaso as a politician of integrity who prioritises public interest, insisting that his support base, particularly among the common people, remains unshaken by the reports.

“We call on Nigerians to disregard such media orchestrations either as news stories or those peddling the misleading information in their articles and columns,” he said.